Convergence of a 2nd Order Perturbation Theory Sum

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on the convergence of the second-order perturbation theory sum defined by the equation E_n^{(2)}=\sum_{n\not= m}\left[\frac{Sin^2\left(\frac{n\pi}{4}\right)Sin^2\left(\frac{m\pi}{4}\right)}{n^2-m^2}\right]. The user initially believes the sum equals zero based on calculations for n=1, m=2 and n=2, m=1, which yield opposing values of -1/6 and 1/6. A suggestion is made to analyze the general term of the series, which is bounded by -1/(n^2 - m^2) and 1/(n^2 - m^2), and to apply partial fractions decomposition to further investigate convergence.

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Homework Statement



This is a 2nd order perturbation theory question, but I've got it boiled down to the following sum, which I need to determine where (and if) it converges:

[tex]E_n^{(2)}=\sum_{n\not= m}\left[\frac{Sin^2\left(\frac{n\pi}{4}\right)Sin^2\left(\frac{m\pi}{4}\right)}{n^2-m^2}\right][/tex]


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I am to compare my analytic ("exact") solution to the second order perturbation, which comes out to the equation above multiplied by some constants. Apparently, all I have to do is sum the first few terms and I should be able to see it..but I'm not. To me it seems as though this sum is always equal to zero, since in for the example of the first first and second result:

For [itex]n=1,m=2[/itex]
[tex]E_n^{(2)}=-\frac{1}{6}[/tex]

and also

[itex]n=2,m=1[/itex]
[tex]E_n^{(2)}=\frac{1}{6}[/tex]

such that the first two terms sum to zero. I don't see how this would change for any higher terms. Any thoughts? I can give more detail of the problem if needed, but hopefully this is enough. Thanks

IHateMayonnaise

 
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Here's an idea that might be helpful. The general term in your series satisfies:
[tex]\frac{-1}{n^2 - m^2}~<~\frac{sin^2(n\pi/4)~sin^2(m\pi/4)}{n^2 - m^2}~<~\frac{1}{n^2 - m^2}[/tex]

Furthermore, you can break the latter expression up by partial fractions decomposition:
[tex]\frac{1}{n^2 - m^2}~=~\frac{A}{n - m} + \frac{B}{n + m}[/tex]
and solve for A and B.

Hope this helps.
 
Mark44 said:
Here's an idea that might be helpful. The general term in your series satisfies:
[tex]\frac{-1}{n^2 - m^2}~<~\frac{sin^2(n\pi/4)~sin^2(m\pi/4)}{n^2 - m^2}~<~\frac{1}{n^2 - m^2}[/tex]

Furthermore, you can break the latter expression up by partial fractions decomposition:
[tex]\frac{1}{n^2 - m^2}~=~\frac{A}{n - m} + \frac{B}{n + m}[/tex]
and solve for A and B.

Hope this helps.

Gets me started, thanks!
 

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